Video streaming enables your audience to engage with your brand’s video content. Nowadays, people do not rely on reading texts; they value videos more. This makes it important that you consider creating and hosting video content to spread awareness about your brand and grab traffic.
The videos can be of any kind, from explainer, and demos to expert interviews, how-tos, unboxing, etc. The type of video you create depends on your brand and what you want to achieve. However, to host these videos online and make them reach your audience, you must host them first. Video streaming platforms allow hosting your videos online, among other methods.
Today, we’ll learn more about these platforms, what you should look for in these platforms, and the options you can consider.
Let’s get going-
What Are Video Streaming Platforms?
Video streaming platforms are the backbone of entertainment that every human being relies on for streaming movies, TV shows, web series, and such content. Take the example of HULU, NetFlix and YouTube; all of these are streaming platforms that let content creators and businesses host their videos and users stream them.
Now, different streaming platforms might offer different features; however, their aim remains the same, and that is to stream content. Various online video platforms support content creators by providing them monetization options so these creators can earn through giving their content on subscription, rental, and having advertisements in between.
6 Features To Consider When Choosing A Video Streaming Platform
Just like we said, different streaming platforms offer different features. Some features are must-haves if you are a business and looking for a video streaming platform. Let’s see what these features are-
#1 HLS Streaming On HTML5 Player
HLS, which stands for HTTP Live Streaming, when combined with an HTML5 video player, gives the most reliable and best quality streaming experience. These are also the latest technologies used on all premium streaming platforms. This means that whenever you look for a streaming platform, ensure they provide HLS streaming technology.
#2 Video Analytics And Insights
The next thing to look for is whether or not they provide the analytics or the insights. These insights let you track viewers’ engagement with your videos and live streams. Platforms that provide live analytics are even better as they let you know about your video performance in real time as your viewers interact with them.
#3 Live Streaming Capabilities
Then comes the live streaming feature, a must-have since viewers prefer connecting with their favorite brands and people in real time over recorded videos. As a business, you can use live streaming for your events, webinars, conferences, product showcasing, and more.
#4 Security & DRM
Security is obviously something where you shouldn’t compromise. It keeps your content and your audience’s information safe and protected. While finalizing a streaming platform, you can look for terms like AES, SSL, and DRM.
#5 Flexible Monetization Models
Monetization is what makes you earn money from your videos. While grabbing your audience’s attention with your video content, you can generate money side by side. Look for a platform with multiple revenue streams, such as subscription-based, rental-based, and ad-based.
Tip: Don’t forget to enquire about the checkout methods and the overall process.
#6 Reliable Content Delivery (Global CDNs)
The last feature you can look for is whether or not the platform provides CDN. Global CDN fulfills your viewer’s request for the videos instantly. This is like a network of servers that are scattered around the globe. The location of the request determines the server which would fulfill a particular request. For example, if a request comes from Asia, CDN will utilize a server from Asia, not Europe or other faraway region.
Best Video Streaming Platform In 2024
Next, we’ll take a look at some of the streaming platforms that are best known for their features. Explore these platforms and save yourself time by not having to look outside.
1. GUDSHO
A Leading Video Streaming Platform for Creators & Video Businesses
GUDSHO can be your first choice if you’re a business or an enterprise that needs significant resources such as storage space and the finest security measures. The platform is enriched with all kinds of innovative features that let you host your on-demand video content and provide live streams. They have multiple revenue streams, meaning you can start earning right after you sign up on the platform and choose a plan.
Features
- Video CMS that lets you manage the entire video content and related tasks
- AES, SSL, and geo-blocking for security and privacy
- Global CDN to complete requests instantly
- HLS streaming and HTML5 video player
- ABR for the smoothest streams
2. VPlayed
White Label Video Streaming Platform
Businesses wanting to have an OTT platform to host videos and launch real-time communications should opt for VPlayed. You can have your choice of deployments for your platform and application. VPlayed provides 7+ revenue streams with cloud-based storage, and it’s a complete white-label solution that means you can have fully customizable streaming experiences.
Features
- It provides you lifetime ownership of your platform and apps
- Revenue streams include SVOD, TVOD, AVOD, SSAI, Coupons, and promotions.
- HLS playback for the smoothest and premium quality streaming
- Centralized control of your integrations, payment systems, media, encoding, migration, etc.
- DRM that includes encryption, watermark, paywall, password protection, and much more
3. Brightcove
Cloud Based Video Platform For Enterprises
Brightcove is a video hosting and live streaming platform best suited for businesses. Its scalability makes it capable of enterprise-grade resources along with advanced features. You can create and monetize your media catalog as it lets you generate revenue through subscriptions and advertisements. Their robust live streaming connects you with your audience in real-time and can go on 24/7, interruption-free.
Features
- Multiple ways to monetize your video content
- Marketing studio to connect with your audience in various ways
- Secure communications with IP, geographics, and other restrictions
- Audience analytics to reduce churn and drive more engagement
- Cloud transcoding and ABR streaming for the finest experience
4. Vimeo
Top Video Platform At an Advanced Level
Vimeo is designed for small and big businesses looking for scalability in resources as required. The platform provides live streaming and on-demand video hosting solutions. Here, your viewers can have ad-free video streaming, which lets them focus on your content without distractions.
The platform is one of the big names and is well known for its new-age features. Businesses can generate revenue from their videos using subscriptions, PPV, and other methods.
Features
- Facilities to provide both on-demand content and live streams
- Monetize through PPV and subscriptions
- AES encryption and password protection for security
- Unlimited storage capacity with premium plans
- 500 MB of free storage
5. Dacast
Professional Video Streaming Solution for all your Streaming Needs
Dacast brings streaming solutions for businesses and organizations. Businesses related to Elearning, Sports, Entertainment, Religious Services, and Governments can choose Dacast to promote themselves. Their marketing tools are a great assistance that lets you gain exposure from the right audience and grow your business.
Features
- Live streaming with global CDN for the fastest connectivity
- Video monetization with subscriptions, ads, and rentals
- HTML5 customizable video player for branding and smooth streaming
- Works for multiple niches as well as religious and nonprofits
- Advanced analytics to keep tabs on your viewers
6. Twitch
Best Video Streaming Site For Broadcasters
Twitch is mainly known as a gaming platform, but it’s more than that! Here, you can host content in other categories, such as Arts, Sports, and Technology. With its live stream functionality, you can connect with your fans in real time and interact with them. You can even schedule a live stream so more subscribers can join you. For earnings, you can opt for the Twitch Partner Program, fulfill the eligibility, and earn when your viewers subscribe, purchase emoticons, donate, and run video ads.
Features
- Multiple niches supported
- Instant live streaming worldwide
- Various ways to earn through the affiliate program
- Primary platforms for gamers and esports streaming
- Easy to understand and affordable for beginners.
7. Wowza
Best Video Platform for End-to-end Streaming Solution
Wowza provides its cloud-based streaming and video hosting facilities to businesses. With video hosting, you can host your media on the platform, making the content available to your audience anytime they request it. With live streaming, you can present yourself in front of your audience in real time and showcase your digital events.
Features
- Low latency streaming
- Smooth third-party integrations
- 4K streaming experience
- Captioning and API availability
- Live stream recording
8. IBM Cloud Video
#1 Video Streaming Services for both live & on-demand
IBM primarily suits enterprises requiring extensive resources for on-demand video hosting and live streaming. You can have a free account with basic streaming facilities and advertisements during streaming. For ad-free streaming and premium features, they have paid pricing plans.
Features
- Entirely customizable videos for branding
- Analytics to understand your video engagement and performance
- Video marketing and monetization tools
- Enterprise-grade video hosting and live-streaming
- Record live streams into VOD content
9. Kaltura
Top-Notch Video Streaming Platform
Kaltura offers live streaming services to individuals and businesses. It provides tutoring tools for those who want to tutor online. Kaltura is also significant for businesses since it lets them have live webinars, meetings, and virtual events.
Features
- Provides video hosting for on-demand and live content
- Cloud-based services for increased security and productivity
- An open-source platform that lets you have tweaks and modifications
- Ability to add unlimited integrations
- Multi-bitrate and adaptive streaming
10. JW Player
End-to-End Live & VOD Streaming Solution for Broadcasters
JW Player is another open-source platform that lets you make amendments to arrange the elements as per your preferences. The platform facilitates HTML5 video player, bringing your audience the fastest and smoothest streaming. You can also utilize live streaming and interact with your audience in real time.
Features
- HLS adaptive live streaming
- Real-time analytics
- DRM to secure your video content
- Monetization through ads
- Suitable for businesses and enterprises
Conclusion
And there you have it! These are among the best streaming platforms you should explore as a business or enterprise owner. Consider the important features mentioned while finalizing your choice, and you will have an ideal video streaming platform for sure.
